Utah Utes football: Record 6 Utes drafted by NFL teams

SALT LAKE CITY — It was a record-setting National Football League draft for the Utah Utes. Six players were chosen this year, one more than previous bests in 1982 and 2005.

A day after Koa Misi and Zane Beadles were taken in the second round, they were joined by former teammates Robert Johnson, David Reed, Stevenson Sylvester and R.J. Stanford.

"We thought all six guys had a good chance of getting drafted. But obviously you never know for sure until their names are called," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "As is the case with Koa and Zane, who were drafted (Friday), Robert, David, Stevenson and R.J. are all good citizens and good football players.

"We are extremely proud to have had a University of Utah-record six players drafted into the National Football League," he added. "And it is a huge compliment to everyone involved with our program."

Misi, a defensive end who is projected to play linebacker in the NFL, was the first Utah player drafted. He went 40th overall to the Miami Dolphins.

Beadles was next. The offensive lineman was selected by the Denver Broncos at No. 45.

No Utes were drafted in the third or fourth rounds. The fifth, however, featured three selections.

Johnson was the first to receive a call. The safety was tabbed by the Tennessee Titans at 148th overall.

At No. 156, Reed, a wide receiver, went to the Baltimore Ravens. Sylvester rounded out the trio. The linebacker went 166th overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"I'm overwhelmed with emotions," Sylvester said while expressing his excitement in a conference call. "I'm trying to keep my cool."

Stanford, a defensive back, was Utah's final draftee. The Carolina Panthers took him with the 223rd pick.

The latter gave this year's Utes a school-record number of NFL draft picks.

Previous bests came in 1982 (Darryl Haley, Del Rodgers, Jack Campbell, Steve Clark and Wayne Jones) and 2005 (Alex Smith, Sione Pouha, Chris Kemoeatu, Paris Warren and Jonathan Fanene).

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